Elevating the Fragrance Experience: Merit Beauty's Retrospect L'Extrait de Parfum

In a world where beauty launches are a dime a dozen, Merit Beauty has carved out a unique niche with its minimalistic approach that prioritizes quality over quantity. The brand's latest venture into the fragrance category with the Retrospect L'Extrait de Parfum is a testament to their commitment to creating products that are both timeless and modern.

Crafting a Scent that Evokes Nostalgia and Sophistication

A Meticulous Fragrance Development Process

Developing the Retrospect L'Extrait de Parfum was no easy feat. Merit Beauty founder Katherine Power revealed that the process took over two years and 200 revisions to perfect the scent. Working with renowned nose Fanny Bol, the team meticulously crafted a fragrance that would "evoke personal memories and nostalgia, while still feeling modern." The name "Retrospect" taps into this desire to pay homage to classic perfumes in a fresh and innovative way.

A Sophisticated Blend of Notes

The result of this painstaking process is a nuanced fragrance that defies easy categorization. Retrospect features a blend of bergamot, pear, jasmine, and musk, with the addition of aldehydes – a signature element of iconic perfumes like Chanel No. 5. This unique combination creates a sophisticated scent that stands out from the more common gourmand and single-note floral fragrances flooding the market.

The Extrait de Parfum Advantage

Retrospect is classified as an extrait de parfum, meaning it contains a higher concentration of fragrance oil – 30% compared to the typical 15-20% found in eau de parfum. This higher concentration translates to a longer-lasting and more intense fragrance experience, allowing the wearer to enjoy the scent for twice as long as a traditional perfume.

A Minimalist Approach to Fragrance

Consistent with Merit Beauty's overall philosophy, the Retrospect L'Extrait de Parfum embodies a minimalist aesthetic. The sculptural bottle, designed to mimic modernist jewelry, is both visually striking and practical, with the high concentration of fragrance oil requiring only a few spritzes to achieve the desired level of intensity.

A Fragrance that Evolves on the Skin

One of the most intriguing aspects of Retrospect is how it interacts with each individual's skin. Much like the cult-favorite Glossier You, the fragrance has a chameleon-like quality, evolving and revealing different facets as it dries down. This personalized experience adds to the allure of the scent, making it feel truly unique to the wearer.

A Timeless and Elegant Fragrance

Retrospect L'Extrait de Parfum is a fragrance that transcends trends and fads. Its nuanced, classic notes create a timeless and elegant scent that feels both familiar and refreshingly modern. This is the type of fragrance that can become a signature scent, a constant companion that evokes memories and emotions with every spritz.

A Worthy Addition to the Merit Beauty Lineup

The launch of Retrospect L'Extrait de Parfum is a natural extension of Merit Beauty's minimalist approach to beauty. Just as the brand's complexion products and lip offerings have won over editors and consumers alike, the fragrance is poised to become a standout in the crowded beauty landscape. With its thoughtful formulation, sophisticated scent profile, and sleek packaging, Retrospect is a testament to Merit Beauty's commitment to creating products that are both functional and elevated.